Bastard
1939
About this artwork
This work features a central, stylized animal figure rendered with simple, bold outlines against a textured, layered blue-and-gold background. It is a quintessential example of Klee's late period, characterized by economy of line and semi-abstract subjects.
Did you know?
Painted in 1939, this piece dates to a tumultuous time in Klee's life as he lived in exile in Switzerland while dealing with severe illness. The stark, somewhat melancholic figure of the 'Bastard' reflects his ability to distill complex emotional states into playful yet haunting visual symbols. Despite his declining health during this era, his output remained incredibly prolific, marking a period of intense artistic introspection.
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Bastard
Paul Klee, 1939
